Corpus Christi, Texas (Dec.10, 2008) – AEP Texas has announced the launch of The Great Texas Refrigerator Roundup,® which will reward electric customers it serves with $35 for each inefficient, operating refrigerator and freezer turned in for recycling.

By calling 1-866-552-3755, residential and commercial customers served by AEP Texas can schedule a free pickup of refrigerators and freezers that are between 14 and 27 cubic feet in size and in working (cooling) condition. The units must be manufactured in 1992 or prior. Customers may turn in two appliances per account through the program, which is scheduled to run through December 2009, or until funds have been expended. Callers will be asked for the ESI ID number found on their electric bill to confirm eligibility for the program.

“Turning in an old energy-guzzling refrigerator or freezer through The Great Texas Refrigerator Roundup will allow electric customers served by AEP Texas to lower their energy usage and earn a $35 reward,” said Program Coordinator, Pam Osterloh. “Replacing an inefficient, 20-year old refrigerator with a new ENERGY STAR® model, could save an average of $60 a year,” Osterloh stated.                                      

AEP Texas has partnered with Appliance Recycling Centers of America, Inc. (ARCA) to provide environmentally sound appliance processing and recycling services for The Great Texas Refrigerator Roundup. ARCA is one of the nation’s largest recyclers of major household appliances for the energy conservation programs of electric utilities. The company currently provides appliance recycling and replacement services for more than 40 electric utility companies and public power authorities, including five electric utility programs in Texas.  ARCA’s processes reclaim up to 95 percent of every appliance so that steel, aluminum, copper, glass and plastic are recycled. These processes also ensure that ozone-depleting refrigerants and hazardous materials such as mercury are recovered to prevent contamination of air, soil and water resources.